The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is reminding consumers that the 2018 Open Enrollment Period ends Friday, December 15. All Illinoisans needing health insurance coverage for 2018 must enroll by 11 p.m. Friday, December 15.

In past years, consumers had time to change plans in January after receiving their first premium bill. With a shortened enrollment period ending December 15, this is no longer an option, making it important to select the right plan the first time.

“We do not recommend passively re-enrolling because prices and plans change every year. Cost should not be the only factor in choosing a plan. For example, consumers should be sure to look at a plan’s provider network and coverage,” Hammer said. Read More

State Fire Marshal Matt Perez and Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Director Royal Mortenson announced today an intergovernmental agreement that streamlines the process for Illinois firefighters who complete IFSI courses to receive state certification. Under the terms of the agreement, the IFSI will be granted state certification equivalency for its end-of-course examinations. This will eliminate the requirement imposed upon Illinois firefighters who attended IFSI courses to take both a final end-of-course examination and an OSFM examination in order to receive state certification.

Perez stated “The Illinois legislature has mandated that the firefighters of Illinois receive training from the Fire Service Institute and certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal in order for them to operate smarter, safer and more effectively. The closer alignment of these two state agencies will offer unparalleled quality in fire service education. I look forward to continuing work with Director Mortenson to maximize the capabilities of both our agencies.” Read More

Photo furnishedAll-state Honors for BenningOVHS junior Bella Benning recently was selected to the ILMEA All-State Honors Choir. She auditioned a couple of weeks ago with many students from around the area. She is the daughter of Dave and Felicia Benning. Her choir director is Kathy Doty.

Fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois are invited to compete in this year’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA). This year’s contest theme is Illinois is Celebrating 200 Years! How Can You Be an Environmental Pioneer? focusing on helping to preserve and protect the air, land and water for the next 200 years in honor of Illinois’s bicentennial. Educators are asked to introduce historic environmental problems and how Illinois laws and citizen actions have helped make a healthier environment. Students are challenged to answer the question, “What would a modern environmental pioneer do to ensure Illinois has a sustainable future?”. Read More

Richard Glazebrook was named site manager for Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek state parks. The Dept. of Conservation announcement noted he was selected from 12 applicants and will supervise a dozen full-time employees.

Stote Reeder, Andy Wagner and Jason Wildman scored early for Sullivan in a 63-39 victory over Shelbyville. John Flannell, Jake Haegen, David Atchison and Chad Bragg rounded out the Redskins effort. Read More

Elliott Bales makes his Little Theatre debut playing the beloved General Waverly in Little Theatre’s production of “White Christmas”. Little did he know that his service in the Army would prepare him for this role.

A Midwesterner at heart, he grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, majored in theater at Abilene Christian in Texas and retired in 2010 with the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army.

“I have watched “White Christmas” for 45 years, and I can relate to the character of General Waverly,” Bales began. “He is so beloved by his soldiers because of who he is as a person. But he had difficulty, like many veterans, adjusting to the schedule of civilian life.” Read More

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Photo furnishedOV Youth AdvisorsOkaw Valley High School students Natalie Jeffers and Ethan Macklin along with Cullen Dyer and Spencer Johnson of Sullivan High School and Eusebio Briseno, Abbi Duzan and Kolby Rickman of Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School met recently with State Senator Chapin Rose at Richland Community College. Senator Rose has put together a Youth Advisory Council consisting of two outstanding students per high school in the 51st Senate District. Students discussed issues that are important to today’s youth. They will meet in Springfield in the spring so that the students may experience the legislative process firsthand and participate in a mock committee hearing. Pictured from left: Ethan Macklin, OV social studies teacher, Brad Ackers, and Natalie Jeffers.

The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is reminding consumers that the 2018 Open Enrollment Period ends Friday, December 15. All Illinoisans needing health insurance coverage for 2018 must enroll by 11 p.m. Friday, December 15.

In past years, consumers had time to change plans in January after receiving their first premium bill. With a shortened enrollment period ending December 15, this is no longer an option, making it important to select the right plan the first time.

“We do not recommend passively re-enrolling because prices and plans change every year. Cost should not be the only factor in choosing a plan. For example, consumers should be sure to look at a plan’s provider network and coverage,” Hammer said. Read More

In spring of 1967, the Sullivan’s Woman’s Club teamed with the Moultrie County Historical Society to sponsor a tour of Waggoner Cemetery in Whitley Twp. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Moultrie County. Please submit photos to the News Progress for future consideration. Originals will be saved for return or forwarded to Moultrie County Historical Society. If you have any other information, please contact the Moultrie County Historical Society at 217-728- 4085.